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Friday, September 27, 2013

Kosmic Horizon: October 2013

Photo by Chad Woodward, Temecula, Ca, 2013.

October
pulls us gradually into the final eclipse season of 2013 with the first Lunar
Eclipse on Oct 18. In addition, Mercury turns stationary retrograde in Scorpio
on Oct 21. Get ready for a change of course; it’s coming whether we’re ready or
not.

This fall is
all about deep inner personal change. There will be many mental and emotional adjustments and
alterations taking place with things which have been highly resistant to change
and movement. That could be really exciting for some of us, and slightly
threatening for others. This month offers an opportunity to clean things out
and unclutter the mind, soul and psyche.

October
begins in the midst of Mercury’s retrograde shadow—which serves as an introduction
to the themes and issues which the actual retrograde will address. Gradually,
as the month progresses, you may find yourself questioning some key areas of
your life, particularly related to the soul’s purpose and the path you
currently tread.

This is all
natural and healthy; eclipses provide key moments where we must alter and
renovate our interior mindscape. Mercury retrograde is a natural cycle where sporadic
renovations take place. In Scorpio, that relates to forgotten
corners and hidden chambers.

Many
undisclosed elements will emerge this month. Depending on how willing we are to
integrate this material, this experience will manifest as a small crisis or a sudden
yet brief transformational process. But, either way, it’s usually uncomfortable.
That’s an inevitable manifestation of these energies; and if there’s any sign
that exemplifies rather touchy subject matter it’s Scorpio.

Mars is also
a key focal point this month, since the eclipse occurs in Aries and Mercury
retrograde in Scorpio—both signs which fall under its dominion. Mars governs
our ability to take action and to implement our soul’s purpose in this life.
Mars deals with willpower and self-assertion. Knee-jerk reactions, gut level
instincts, primal urges, desires and emotions are central to the expression of
Mars. And it is this territory that we’re likely to find ourselves getting more
in touch with.

Eclipse
season is time for letting go—letting go of the past, and letting go to
yourself as you actually are. That means momentarily placing ego needs and
desires aside and peering deeply into what lies beyond the veneer of
personality. This is a deep and sensitive process. It can guide us to seriously
question ourselves, our motives, agendas and intentions. But, if we flow with
it, we come out the other side renewed and excited to move ahead.

Here is a
forecast of significant collective events this month; use it as a rough guide
for what lies ahead:

Oct 1

While the
mind is clear and perceptive of concepts which usually evade common sense and
the rational laws of physics, emotional currents are a bit harder to pin down
and make sense of. That doesn’t mean that emotional clarity isn’t possible, but
that it requires some work in the process of sorting things out.

This is a
day where discrimination is necessary to distinguish between real or imagined
emotional responses. Fortunately, the mind is a little more useful, and by
extension, rather more helpful than usual in dealing with such material.

In the background,
the tension is heating up—more on a collective scale as the Sun squares Pluto
and approaches an opposition to Uranus. There may be considerable resistance to
our efforts to charge forward and assert will power and ego needs. The Sun in
Libra is more compromising and seeks equanimity. As a result it isn’t as
assertive. But there is power in numbers, so don’t try to fight this alone. ­­

Oct 2

Real healing
is possible now—although it’s part of a process that we’ve been in the midst of
since last November. Chiron trine Saturn brings us tangible results while
transmuting deep emotional, physical and spiritual pain. It reminds us that we
aren’t alone in our suffering. If we take the initiative and face the unknown,
and the uncomfortable, much progress and integration is possible.

The system
works; there’s an intention within the fabric of nature; there’s a grand
intelligent design. If you work with it, if you play by the rules, things have
a way of working more in your favor.

Oct 3

There’s a
strong rebellious streak in the air, a powerful urge to defy authority, control
and structure. All those suffocating routines may feel unbearable. Demands and
expectations from other people are likely to set off some nerves and trigger
aggravation. Personal freedom needs to be addressed, but so do the needs of
others. Working it out takes patience, but it’s possible.

Oct 4

There is a
fresh new start emerging today with the New Moon in Libra. But, it emerges
under a considerable amount of pressure. Where the ego has been challenged the
past few days, a strong emotional impetus adds more fuel to the fire that’s
waging in the background. The challenge: to seek peace, diplomacy, and common
ground within uncertain and unstable territory. Collectively this is a
significant day. Violence is the dark side. Greater strength and fortitude
grace the higher road.

Oct 6

An ability
to articulate deeply buried emotional material is highlighted today. The mind
is less focused on logical and analytical methods of perceiving reality; today
is about feeling our way to the very root of the matter at hand, and dealing
with it the way it is, without censorship. The insights and perspectives we
uncover are likely to excite powerful transformative processes leading to a
deeper sense of meaning, purpose and direction.

This is a
day of true authentic communication through an open discussion of feelings,
fears, desires, and previously undisclosed material. Conversations are likely
to be a lot more serious and focused on the bare essential information. Express
rather than oppress that which you find bubbling up and vying for
acknowledgement. It might be heavy, it may be deep, but whatever it is, it’s
necessary.

Oct 7

Venus
entering Sagittarius today lightens up the ambience quite a bit, adding an
inclination and desire for more breathing space and fresh air. While the
“seriousness” and heaviness shrouding communication continues, there is the
prospect of greater perspective, clarity and truth. It also takes some of the
focus away from intimate or inner personal issues, directing the mind toward
new social vistas.

Oct 8

Today
presents a prelude to some themes and issues which will be heavily dealt with
during Mercury’s retrograde cycle (beginning Oct 21). Mercury’s initial
conjunction with Saturn serves as a starting point for the creation of
strategies which require some serious reworking. Pay attention to that critical
goal you’re pondering today and release your attachment to making it happen
right away.

As Mercury
turns retrograde towards the end of the month, we’ll have an opportunity to
revise, restructure, reevaluate, renovate and reconfigure in many shapes and
forms. You don’t need to nail it all down and start putting it into action.
Trust that this is a beginning step that will naturally unfold and take form
all in due time. Patience, persistence, discipline, and a penetrating mental
focus will be your allies. By the end of November, once the kinks are worked
out, it will be time to practically integrate your strategy into the world.

This is also
a good time to make sure that a system or structure is well supported and
strong—whatever we don’t address now may force us to at the end of the month.

Oct 10

The truth
seems to evade our grasp today. Desires may lead us to dead ends as they reveal
themselves to be mere mirages or pure deceptions. Don’t be fooled by what may
initially appear enticing, salacious or glamorous. Really pause and reflect
before you act or commit. In fact, meditate deeply and you will eventually
realize the truth—but you must make the effort to see past the façade.
Spontaneous and effortless revelations won’t come easy. If they do, they’re not
likely to have much basis in reality.

Don’t waste
your time and resources chasing after a mirage today, you’ll feel pretty stupid
in a few days. Healthy skepticism needs to be applied diligently. However, a
concentrated focus using a sober outlook will be quite productive. Today is
more about receiving than doing. Be like a magnet and calmly reflect on what
you attract. Real truth and beauty hides in the deep, beyond several layers.
Only fools rush in; don’t be one of them.

Oct 15

A drive for
creative self-expression gets reverted toward much larger issues and concerns
as Mars enters Virgo. Collectively, intense self-focus and promotion fades into
the backdrop. Mars in Virgo demands that we put talents to good use, to serve a
purpose. The problem is adjusting to the change of pace. It may be interpreted
as a loss of passion and enthusiasm, because we suddenly have deeper and more
meaningful concerns. The best way to work with this transit is to find the
passion to help and serve others. There’s nothing to “prove” while Mars is in
Virgo, remember that.

There is a
powerful willpower to make improvements where needed, and a drive to obtain an
ideal. Channeling enthusiasm into a specific point of interest takes dedication
to avert wasteful expenditure of energy. That also means you need to know what
you’re doing. If you don’t, it’s time to brush up and freshen up. Practice
makes perfect.

Oct 16

Today is a
little bitter sweet. While there’s an amplification of bountiful desire and an
enthusiasm for new and unexpected experiences, there’s some apprehensiveness in
regards to opening up and embracing it all. Some of this may derive from deeply
rooted insecurities and fears which stem from past traumas or difficulties. It
might feel as if it’s just too good to be true while you look for the silver
lining.

The
challenge is to align with your hearts true desires and intentions today. To
connect with a fountain of authentic as opposed to artificial joy. If it really
has meaning and value for you, then open up and embrace the spontaneous. Working
past your resistance and releasing the past will be a part of today’s
activities, but you’ll have a sense of accomplishment and some self-respect.
Push through the barriers to truth; something new and exciting waits on the
other end.

Oct 18

The Full
Moon in Aries today is also a Lunar Eclipse. There’s an overwhelming sense of
culmination permeating the collective. Emotional releases focus on letting out
the steam and relieving tension and pressure. While Aries and its ruler Mars
are action oriented, the eclipse today invites us to merely remain conscious of
our impressions, urges and anxieties and to do nothing about them. There may be
a change of pace, of heart and of desire. But change is the whole point.

Certain
goals, intentions, directions, and plans of action are coming to a head. If
they’ve been successful you have to merely receive the bounty. If they no
longer serve you, your loss of interest is simply an indication of the need to
let them go. If anything, today serves to grab and direct our attention. Focus
on the quality of your attention and nothing else. The less outwardly focused
you are, the more insightful and beneficial the moment will be.

Oct 19

Today is a
bit shifty and difficult to pin down—and preceding a lunar eclipse it merely
amplifies the sense of uncertainty that pervades the atmosphere. The more you
attempt to charge forward to face certain obstacles and goals, the further away
they appear. With each step they back away, in complete unison with your
maneuvers, until they vanish completely as if they were merely holograms.

Certain
fears and insecurities may paralyze and keep one from moving; but this might
not be such a bad thing. Remember, there’s nothing to prove here. There’s only
an ideal which must be carefully evaluated. The more you push today, the more
you are likely to burn out and implode. The day is best served seeking
inspiration which will later motivate you toward seeking its obtainment when
the fog clears.

And speaking
of clarity, this is equally possible today. There is an opportunity to see very
clearly the best possible direction. That may accompany a complete change of
direction—but at least you’re clear about what path wasn’t working for you
anyhow. In the midst of eclipse season, we tread on shifting sands. Remain open
to the higher guidance that you would normally disregard as impractical or
insignificant. Who knows where it will lead you, but that’s all part of the
adventure.

Oct 21

Mercury
turns stationary retrograde today, setting off a three week period of backward
motion in our daily affairs and personal projects. This is an ideal time to
rework, review, revisit, restructure, reconsider, reflect, etc. The more time
and energy spent on backtracking for the next three weeks the more beneficial
our retrograde experience will be. Sometimes we come up against nagging or incessant
irritations, setbacks or technical issues. So remain flexible and prepared to
deal with potential problems. Each retrograde we’re given the opportunity to
see things from a completely different perspective, so keep your mind open and
receptive.

The sign of
Scorpio deals with hidden, disclosed, and highly unconscious material; this
retrograde could bring to light those relics we thought were long gone or had
forgotten about entirely. This is an opportunity to connect deeply with our
more primal nature and to reconsider things from a raw uncensored perspective.

If you feel
a little uncertain about where you’re going or what actions to take right now
don’t fret. It’s in the air. It may be a challenge to move forward with
confidence today. Psychic and intuitive impressions are strong, but the mind
appears to be telling us otherwise. Don’t analyze your feelings too much, it
will likely make things more confusing.

A barrage of
conflicting data or information could possibly paralyze one with a bout of
uncertainty. Do your best to discern what’s relevant and simply let go of what
isn’t. With Mercury retrograde we have plenty of time to fact check and to do
some deeper research. Don’t feel pressured or rushed to make sense of it all
right now, it’s probably not the right time as critical pieces are still
missing.

Oct 22

The Sun’s
ingress into Scorpio today further solidifies our collective desire to dig deep
and connect on a more authentic level. This is the season to take things much
further than you normally would. It also illuminates certain hidden caverns and
dark corners where we usually fear to look. This solar Scorpio season is all
about the bare essentials. That means letting go of irrelevant material and
sticking to the basics.

This is a season
of considerable change and transformation, highlighted by a Scorpio solar
eclipse in early November. Shed the skin you have outgrown. It may be an
uncomfortable process, but the rewards will be long lasting and will develop in
due time.

Oct 29

Today marks
the second stage of a process that began around Oct 8. It’s time to rework a
strategy, tighten some screws, and make sure the overall structure is well
supported. There may be a breakdown within the system which will require
considerable attention to detail. If you put in the extra effort and sort
things out now, it will be more solid and stable next month.

Today also
signifies a second chance to articulate uncomfortable yet highly relevant material.
Be clear and direct, in fact, make the effort to reiterate clearly so that
there aren’t any misunderstandings which could lead to a conflict. The mind is
sharp today, but in its precision it might miss the forest for the trees. Focus
your gaze on those elements that you would normally overlook; you may uncover
some highly critical missing pieces.

Responsibilities,
commitments, or contractual agreements from the past may come back to haunt us.
Today is ideal for renegotiation, but not entering into new alliances. Read the
fine print very carefully! Whatever you commit to will have long lasting
consequences. There is a strong desire for freedom beneath it all. That means
there could be a considerable amount of resentment toward restrictions that
weigh us down.

The only way
to effectively break free and spread your wings will be to ensure that everything
is lined up and in order. That means taking responsibility. Be yourself today,
and remain completely authentic to who you are and what you’re capable of. Any
attempts to conform, suppress or censor yourself will likely lead to a build-up
of anger or frustration which will be difficult to let out.

Oct 30

There is the
potential to directly face and deal with something painful today. A strong
enthusiastic drive and motivation is channeled toward deep healing and
integration. There may also be a powerful impetus to confront and deal with
issues that have remained quite ambiguous for some time. It’s not about fixing
or solving a “problem”, but rather boldly stepping up to face the unknown
before you. It’s about surrendering to transformation. And that takes bravery.

Equally,
there may be a sense of feeling overwhelmed by the complexity of something. We
may feel unable to take charge and complete what needs to be done. Honor your
fears and limitations, and don’t attempt to take on too much if you’re unable
to handle it all. Today may present a minor stumbling block, but it carries
great lessons.

Oct 31

There’s a
clear, sharp, and directed sense of focus and ambition today. Use this energy
willingly and wisely toward a specific task, goal, or intention. Any apprehensiveness
or hesitation that may have emerged yesterday is likely to dissipate now
alongside a renewed sense of purpose. The energy today is quite conducive for
anything that requires long sustained attention to detail and enthusiasm.

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About The Blogger

Chad Woodward is a writer, astrologer, and bodyworker/holistic healer currently living in southern California. He has been writing astrological articles on his blog, Kosmic Mind, since 2009. Chad has also written for Planet Waves.net and Astrology.Answers.com. He is a Steven Forrest trained astrologer working within the paradigm of evolutionary astrology.